Kilifi is a coastal county in Kenya known for its rich avian diversity.
The area is home to a wide variety of birds, including several species of raptors, songbirds, and waterfowl. In addition to the resident species, a variety of migratory species flock to the area each year.
The county is also home to several Important Bird Areas (IBAs), including the Kilifi-Kwale forest complex. These areas provide essential habitats for many of the resident and migratory species in the area.
With its diverse habitats and abundance of birds, Kilifi County is an ideal destination for bird watching and nature photography.
1. Gray Crowned Crane
The grey crowned crane is a species of bird belonging to the crane family, Gruidae.
It is found in many parts of Africa and is known by several different names, including African crowned crane, golden crested crane, golden-crowned crane, East African crane, East African crowned crane, African crane, Eastern crowned crane, Kavirondo crane, South African crane, and crested crane.
This bird is known for its distinctive grey crown, which distinguishes it from other species of crane. The grey-crowned crane is a large and powerful bird, with a wingspan of up to 2.3 meters.
It has grey plumage, with white patches on its wings and face, and red and black facial wattles. Its legs are also brightly colored, being yellow in the front and black in the back. The grey-crowned crane feeds mainly on insects, plants, and small vertebrates.
It is also known to eat eggs and carrion.
It is a social bird, often found in groups of up to 20 individuals, and is seen in many wetland habitats such as swamps, marshes, and floodplains. The grey crowned crane is an important species in African culture, appearing in art, folklore, and rituals.
It is also the national bird of Uganda, and is protected in many countries due to its declining population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Balearica |
| Species | B. regulorum |
2. Yellow-billed Stork
The yellow-billed stork is a large species of wading bird native to Africa and Madagascar. It is the only species in the family Ciconiidae and is also known as the wood stork or wood ibis.
This species is widely distributed south of the Sahara Desert, and it is found in a variety of habitats. Its diet consists mainly of aquatic animals, such as fish, frogs, and aquatic insects.
It sometimes also eats small mammals, reptiles, and carrion. The yellow-billed stork is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 2.1 meters and a length of up to 1 meter.
It has a distinctive yellow bill and black legs, with its head, neck, and belly being white and its back and wings having a greyish-brown color.
The species is usually found in shallow freshwater wetlands and rivers, where it can be seen wading in search of food. The yellow-billed stork is a social species and can be seen in large flocks in the wild. Breeding usually takes place in the wet season when food is plentiful.
The nest is usually built on the ground or in a tree and typically contains two to five eggs.
The chicks are usually cared for by both parents. The yellow-billed stork is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, although the population is declining due to habitat loss and degradation.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitat and ensure the species’ survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Mycteria |
| Species | M. ibis |
3. Speckled Pigeon
The speckled pigeon, also known as the African rock pigeon or Guinea pigeon, is a species of pigeon that is found throughout much of the African continent south of the Sahara Desert.
This species is a resident breeding bird, meaning it stays in the same area year-round and can be found in a wide variety of open habitats. This species is considered to be quite common and widespread throughout its range, however, there are some areas where it is not present.
The speckled pigeon is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive speckled pattern on its plumage. The speckled pigeon is a social species and can be seen in large flocks foraging for food on the ground.
It feeds mainly on a variety of seeds and grains and is known to sometimes consume insects. The speckled pigeon is an important species in its ecosystem, as it helps to spread seeds and disperse them as it moves around.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. guinea |
4. Namaqua Dove
The Namaqua dove is one of the smallest species of pigeons. It belongs to the genus Oena, making it the only species in the genus. It can be found in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in some parts of Arabia and Madagascar.
The Namaqua dove is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring around 28 to 32 centimeters in length. It has a grey-brown body with a pale chest and a white eye-ring. The bird is usually seen on its own, or in pairs, rather than in large flocks.
It feeds on a variety of seeds, grains, and fruits, as well as some insects and other small animals. The Namaqua dove is an elusive species, often keeping to dense vegetation and rarely entering open areas.
It is however a common species in its range and is not considered to be threatened by conservationists.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Oena |
| Species | O. capensis |
5. African Green Pigeon
The African green pigeon is a species of bird that belongs to the Columbidae family. It is one of five green pigeon species that are found in the Afrotropics region. This species has a wide range across Sub-Saharan Africa and is known to have around 17 accepted races.
The African green pigeon is a widespread species and is known to inhabit many different areas including woodlands, savannas, and agricultural areas. In addition to that, they are also known to inhabit areas that are close to human habitation.
They are an important species in the ecosystem as they are a major food source for many predators. They are also major seed dispersers. As with many species, the African green pigeon is facing a number of threats including habitat destruction, overhunting, and climate change.
Conservation efforts are needed to protect this species and help ensure its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Treron |
| Species | T. calvus |
6. Yellow-billed Duck
The yellow-billed duck is a species of duck found throughout southern and eastern Africa. It is a medium-sized duck, measuring between 51 and 58 cm in length.
Unlike many other species of ducks, the yellow-billed duck is not migratory, instead opting to wander within its native range in search of suitable water sources during the dry season.
This species of duck is highly social and is often found in large flocks during the non-breeding season. During the breeding season, it is an abundant resident breeder, meaning it breeds in the same area that it inhabits year-round.
The yellow-billed duck is found in a variety of habitats, ranging from wetlands and marshes to cultivated areas and even open grasslands. Its diet consists mainly of vegetation and aquatic invertebrates.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. undulata |
7. Egyptian Goose
The Egyptian goose is a species of bird that is native to Africa and is part of the duck family Anatidae. It is a species that is popularly kept as an ornamental bird, leading to it being introduced to many places outside its natural range.
In Europe, the United States, and in many other countries, the Egyptian goose can now be found in areas it did not previously inhabit. The Egyptian goose’s popularity as an ornamental bird is due to its beauty and grace.
It has a striking dark brown and white plumage with a bright orange beak and feet. The species also has a strong and agile flight, making it a great choice as a pet.
Moreover, the Egyptian goose is generally considered to be quite docile and easy to maintain, making it a suitable companion for bird enthusiasts. In the wild, the Egyptian goose tends to inhabit wetlands and grasslands, usually near bodies of water.
It is a gregarious species, usually found in flocks of up to 20 individuals. It feeds on a variety of plants, insects, and worms.
The Egyptian goose is also known to form strong pair bonds, and some pairs are known to stay together for life. Overall, the Egyptian goose is a beautiful species that has become a popular pet and ornamental bird.
Its introduction to areas outside its natural range has enabled bird enthusiasts to enjoy its presence and admire its beauty.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Alopochen |
| Species | A. aegyptiaca |
8. Emerald-spotted Wood Dove
The emerald-spotted wood dove is a species of bird that is found throughout eastern and southern Africa. This bird is a member of the Columbidae family, which includes doves and pigeons.
This species is most commonly seen in open, drier deciduous woodland and second-growth forests.
This species can not be found in evergreen rainforests or semidesert areas, as these areas are too extreme for them to inhabit. The emerald-spotted wood dove has a distinctive color pattern, with emerald-green spots among its other colors.
This species is usually found in pairs or small groups, and they are most active during the day. They mainly feed on seeds, fruits, and small insects.
During the breeding season, they make a nest of twigs and leaves in a tree or shrub, and they usually lay two eggs. This species is vulnerable to habitat loss due to deforestation and human development. They are also vulnerable to predation from larger birds and mammals.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect this species and its habitat, to help ensure its survival in the future.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Turtur |
| Species | T. chalcospilos |
9. Red-eyed Dove
The Red-eyed Dove is a species of dove found in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is widespread and abundant throughout its range and has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2004.
This means that the species is not currently considered to be threatened, and is not facing an immediate risk of extinction. The Red-eyed Dove is a medium-sized bird, typically around 25cm in length.
Its plumage is mainly grayish-brown, with dark brown upperparts and white underparts. The most distinctive feature of the bird is its bright red eyes, which are set against its dark face. The Red-eyed Dove feeds mainly on seeds and other plant matter.
They typically feed on the ground and use their short, rounded beak to break open the hard seed shells.
They also feed on insects, and take advantage of the nutritious food sources provided by humans, such as bird feeders. The species is found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, savannas, dry grasslands, and cultivated areas.
It is also a common urban bird and can be found in parks and gardens. It is a social species and typically forms flocks of several individuals. The Red-eyed Dove is an important species for its ecosystem.
It helps to disperse seeds and control insect populations, and its presence can be an indication of a healthy environment. The species is also a popular game bird and is hunted in some parts of its range. Conservation efforts for the Red-eyed Dove are ongoing.
Many organizations are working to raise awareness of the species and to protect its habitats from destruction and degradation. By doing this, we can help to ensure that this species remains a common and widespread bird in Sub-Saharan Africa.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. semitorquata |
10. Ring-necked Dove
The ring-necked dove is a species of dove found in East and southern Africa. It is also known as the Cape turtle dove or half-collared dove. These birds are quite abundant in the areas they inhabit and tend to stay in the same area rather than migrate.
They can be found in a variety of open habitats, including woodlands, savannahs, and grasslands. The ring-necked dove is easily identified by its distinctive collar and ring of feathers around its neck, which is typically gray or brown in color.
Its upper parts are gray-brown, with dark brown barring on its wings and tail. It has a grayish-white belly and a pinkish bill and feet. This species of dove is generally shy and will fly away if approached too closely.
They feed on grains, seeds, and small insects found on the ground or in trees. They typically nest in trees or bushes, where they lay two white eggs. The ring-necked dove is an important gamebird in some areas, and its meat is considered a delicacy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. capicola |
11. Laughing Dove
The Laughing Dove is a species of small pigeon that is native to the African continent, the Middle East, South Asia, and Western Australia. Unlike many other species of pigeon, the Laughing Dove is not migratory, instead choosing to stay in one area and breed there year-round.
This species can be found in a wide variety of habitats, from open woodlands to semi-desert areas, and it is also a common sight in urban environments. The Laughing Dove has a unique history in Western Australia, where it was first introduced in 1898 by being released from Perth Zoo.
This release was successful and the species has since become established in the wild, where it now lives and breeds happily.
This species is easily identifiable due to its distinctive call, which gives the bird its name, and its plumage, which features a grey-brown back and wings, and a pinkish-brown underside. The Laughing Dove has a diet that consists mostly of seeds, and it is a sociable bird that is often seen in small flocks of up to ten individuals.
These flocks have an established hierarchy, and the Laughing Dove is known to pair-bond with its mate for multiple breeding seasons.
The breeding season for the Laughing Dove is usually from April to October, and the female will lay two white eggs per clutch. Overall, the Laughing Dove is a charming species of small pigeon that has proven to be quite successful in a variety of habitats.
It is an easy species to spot due to its distinctive call and colorful plumage, and it is a welcome addition to many urban and rural environments.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Spilopelia |
| Species | S. senegalensis |
12. Phasianidae
The Phasianidae family is a very large and diverse family of birds which includes a variety of birds from pheasants to chickens. These birds are heavy, ground-living birds which makes them popular gamebirds as they are easy to hunt.
The family consists of 185 species spread over 54 genera, making it one of the most diverse families of birds. The most well-known species in this family include pheasants, partridges, junglefowl, chickens, turkeys, Old World quail, and peafowl.
These birds are popular for their use in hunting and for their beauty, with the peafowl being a particularly notable example of this. The Phasianidae family is an important part of the avian world and provides a unique variety of birds for hunting and for study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
13. Greater Flamingo
The greater flamingo is the biggest and most abundant species of the flamingo family.
These birds are found in a variety of places, ranging from Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa to the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and even parts of Southern Europe.
They are often seen in the Old World, which is a part of the world that includes Europe, Africa, and Asia. The greater flamingo is an impressive bird, standing up to five feet tall and weighing up to nine pounds.
They are easily identified by their bright pink feathers, long necks, and long legs.
They have a unique way of eating, too, which involves skimming their beaks through the water to filter out small crustaceans and other food. These birds live in colonies of hundreds or even thousands of individuals.
They are usually found in shallow bodies of water, like lagoons, mudflats, and shallow lakes. They build their nests on the ground, and they often migrate in large groups. The greater flamingo is an important part of the ecosystem, as it is a keystone species.
This means that other species depend on it for survival. They are also important for humans, as they provide food and even medicinal properties. Overall, the greater flamingo is an amazing species that is found all over the Old World.
It is an important part of the ecosystem and provides many benefits to humans.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
14. Yellow-necked Spurfowl
The yellow-necked spurfowl or yellow-necked francolin is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae. It is found in a number of African countries, including Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
This species is aptly named for the yellow patch found on its neck.
This patch is a distinguishing feature of the bird and what sets it apart from other members of the Phasianidae family. The yellow-necked spurfowl is a medium-sized bird, usually measuring between 20 to 25 centimeters in length.
It has a pattern of black, brown, white, and gray feathers, and a red face.
The yellow patch on its neck is what makes it unique, as it is not present in any other species of the family. The yellow-necked spurfowl is primarily an omnivorous bird, eating a variety of plants, fruits, and insects.
It is also known to eat small reptiles like lizards and snakes. They are ground dwellers and prefer to remain in dense vegetation, and are usually seen in small groups. The yellow-necked spurfowl is a species of Least Concern, according to the IUCN Red List.
Despite the fact that its populations are stable, it is still under threat from habitat loss due to human activity. Therefore, it is important to protect the bird’s natural habitat in order to ensure its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Pternistis |
| Species | P. leucoscepus |
15. Yellow-collared Lovebird
The yellow-collared lovebird is a species of bird found in the parrot family Psittaculidae. It is the only species within the lovebird genus and is native to the Arusha Region of Tanzania.
They have a yellow collar around their neck, which is why they are named yellow-collared lovebirds.
They are also known by a variety of other names, such as masked lovebird, black-masked lovebird, or eye ring lovebird. The yellow-collared lovebird is a small bird, growing to a maximum length of about 15 cm. They have a mostly green body, with a yellow collar around their neck.
They have a black mask around their eyes, which gives them their other common name black-masked lovebird. They have a red beak and red eyes, which gives them their third common name eye ring lovebird.
The yellow-collared lovebird is known for its friendly and social behavior. They are often kept as pets, and they generally get along well with other birds. They are also known for their ability to mimic human speech, which makes them popular pets.
The yellow-collared lovebird is native to the Arusha region of Tanzania, but they have been introduced to Burundi and Kenya. They can also be found in many pet stores around the world.
They prefer to live in open woodlands with plenty of trees for nesting and roosting. Overall, the yellow-collared lovebird is a beautiful and friendly bird. They are popular pet birds due to their intelligence, and their ability to mimic human speech.
They are native to Tanzania, but they have been introduced to other African countries as well.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Agapornis |
| Species | A. personatus |
16. White-browed Coucal
The white-browed coucal, also known as lark-heeled cuckoo, is a species of cuckoo belonging to the family Cuculidae. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa and typically inhabits areas with thick vegetation, such as rank undergrowth and scrub, as well as some coastal regions.
Burchell’s coucal is sometimes considered to be a subspecies of the white-browed coucal. This species of cuckoo is known for its distinctive white brow, which is a key feature in distinguishing it from other species of cuckoos.
The white-browed coucal is an omnivore, feeding on both insects and fruit. They are also known to consume small rodents, reptiles, and amphibians as well. They are typically found in pairs or small groups, foraging for food on the ground or in low vegetation.
Their call is a distinctive, deep-sounding, “coo-coo” that is repeated at regular intervals, lasting for several seconds. The white-browed coucal is a relatively common species, although its population is thought to be declining due to habitat destruction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. superciliosus |
17. Crested Francolin
The crested francolin is a species of bird that belongs to the family Phasianidae, which is found in southern Africa. It is a medium-sized bird that has a reddish-brown color with white spotted feathers, and a crest of feathers on its head.
Within the crested francolin species, there is a subspecies called Ortygornis sephaena rovuma, which is also known as Kirk’s francolin.
This subspecies is sometimes considered a separate species due to its distinct features, such as its blackish-brown color and the absence of white spots on its feathers. Although they are similar in appearance, the two species differ in size and behavior.
Kirk’s francolin is slightly smaller and more secretive than the crested francolin. In comparison to the crested francolin, Kirk’s francolin is rarely seen in the open, preferring to stay in dense vegetation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Ortygornis |
| Species | O. sephaena |
18. Helmeted Guineafowl
The helmeted guineafowl is a unique species of bird from the Numididae family. It is the only member of its genus, and is native to Africa, primarily south of the Sahara Desert.
Over time, it has been domesticated and introduced into various regions of the world, including the West Indies, North America, Colombia, Brazil, Australia, and Europe.
This domestication has allowed the helmeted guineafowl to become one of the best-known species of the guineafowl family.
The helmeted guineafowl has a recognizable appearance, with black and grey plumage, red facial wattles, and a bright yellow crest on its head that resembles a helmet. This crest is usually raised when the bird is startled or excited.
The helmeted guineafowl is also known for its loud, distinctive call, which is often described as a loud “chuck-chuck-chuck” sound. In its native Africa, the helmeted guineafowl is usually found in open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands.
It often forms large flocks, which can be made up of hundreds of birds. The birds are omnivorous and feed on a variety of insects, fruits, seeds, and other small animals. They have also been known to scavenge for food in human-inhabited areas.
The helmeted guineafowl is a hardy species and has adapted well to the various climates it has been introduced to. It has been widely used as a domesticated species for its meat, eggs, and feathers.
The bird is also popular in hunting and falconry and is often kept as a pet in some areas. In recent years, the helmeted guineafowl has become a conservation success story, with some populations now thriving in their introduced habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Numididae |
| Genus | Numida |
| Species | N. meleagris |
19. African Emerald Cuckoo
The African emerald cuckoo is a beautiful bird that is native to the continent of Africa. This species of cuckoo is found mainly in the tropical regions of the continent and can be recognized by its bright green and yellow plumage.
Its wingspan is quite large, measuring around 18 inches, and its tail is long and pointed. The African emerald cuckoo is a medium-sized bird that typically feeds on insects, worms, fruit, and nectar.
It is also an important pollinator, playing a vital role in the pollination of many different species of plants. This species of cuckoo is also monogamous and typically mates for life.
The female will lay anywhere between three and five eggs in a nest she constructs in a tree or bush. The eggs will hatch within 14 days and the chicks will stay with their parents for the next few months before becoming independent.
The African emerald cuckoo is an important species to the African continent, providing many different ecological benefits.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Chrysococcyx |
| Species | C. cupreus |
20. Blue-billed Teal
The blue-billed teal, also known as the spotted teal or Hottentot teal, is a species of dabbling duck in the genus Spatula.
It is a migratory species, found in eastern and southern Africa from Sudan and Ethiopia in the north, west to Niger and Nigeria, and south to South Africa and Namibia.
In West Africa and Madagascar, however, it is a sedentary species, meaning it stays in the same area year-round. The blue-billed teal is a relatively small duck, with males reaching a length of about 17 inches.
Its plumage is a blend of gray, green, and chestnut colors, with the bill being a distinctive bright blue.
It feeds on aquatic vegetation, seeds, and small invertebrates, which it finds in shallow water. The blue-billed teal is a social species, often gathering in large flocks, especially during migration.
It is also a popular game bird, with some countries allowing limited hunting of the species. Despite this, its population is stable, and it is not considered to be threatened or endangered.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. hottentota |
21. Fulvous Whistling Duck
The Fulvous Whistling Duck, or Fulvous Tree Duck, is a species of duck known for its distinctive whistling call.
This species is found all over the world’s tropical regions, including much of Mexico and South America, the Caribbean, the southern United States, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.
This species is often found near freshwater sources, such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and is considered an opportunistic feeder. They mostly feed on insects, crustaceans, small fish, and vegetation.
They are also known to forage in agricultural fields, which can occasionally cause crop damage. The Fulvous Whistling Duck has a variety of adaptations that aid in their survival. They have strong legs and webbed feet that enable them to swim efficiently in water.
They also have a waterproof layer of feathers that protects them from the elements. Additionally, they are able to fly long distances in search of food and shelter, making them highly mobile. The Fulvous Whistling Duck has a specialized social structure.
They form large, cohesive flocks during the breeding season. These flocks can contain up to several hundred birds and are usually composed of one male and several females.
During the non-breeding season, they form smaller groups that often split up and re-form over the course of the year.
They are also known to form mixed flocks with other species of ducks, such as the Black-bellied Whistling Duck and White-faced Whistling Duck. The Fulvous Whistling Duck is considered to be of least concern on the IUCN Red List, as its population is believed to be stable.
However, this species is threatened by habitat destruction and hunting pressure, and its population is slowly declining in some areas. To ensure the future of the Fulvous Whistling Duck, it is important to protect their habitats and discourage hunting.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | D. bicolor |
22. Harlequin Quail
The harlequin quail is a species of bird belonging to the family Phasianidae, which is native to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The species is named after the collector, Adulphe Delegorgue, who discovered it in the late 19th century.
The harlequin quail is a small, ground-dwelling bird that has adapted to a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and areas of dense vegetation.
The bird has a gray-brown plumage with distinctive black and white markings, which gives it a unique, harlequin-like appearance. The harlequin quail is a shy and wary species and is usually seen in small groups.
Its diet consists primarily of seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates. The harlequin quail is an important game bird in some regions and is also kept as a pet in some parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Coturnix |
| Species | C. delegorguei |
23. Knob-billed Duck
The Knob-billed duck, also known as the African Comb Duck, is a species of waterfowl found in tropical and subtropical areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, South Asia, and mainland Indochina.
These ducks typically inhabit wetlands and waterways, where they feed on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. The Knob-billed Duck is a large waterfowl, measuring up to 28 inches in length and weighing up to 4 pounds.
It has a distinctive knob at the end of its bill, which is used to break apart hard-shelled prey. Taxonomically, the Knob-billed Duck and the Comb Duck are usually classified as two distinct species.
However, some experts have suggested that they are actually the same species and that the knob-billed duck is simply a variation of the comb duck. This is due to the fact that the two species share many similarities, including size, shape, coloration, and bill structure.
Ultimately, more research is needed to determine the exact relationship between these two species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Sarkidiornis |
| Species | S. melanotos |
24. Red-billed Duck
The red-billed teal, or red-billed duck, is a type of dabbling duck that is a common, year-round resident in the southern and eastern areas of Africa. This species of duck is not known to migrate, but it will travel long distances to find suitable habitats for breeding.
This duck is quite social, and during the non-breeding season, it will form large flocks with other birds of its kind. The red-billed teal typically lives south of 10° S, and its preferred environment includes wetlands, shallow lakes, and rivers.
This species of duck can be identified by its unique red-billed bill and brownish-grey body. It feeds on plant material found in the water, such as seeds, algae, and aquatic insects.
The red-billed teal is an important species of bird in southern and eastern Africa, and it plays an important role in the local ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. erythrorhyncha |
Conclusion
Birds in Kilifi are an important part of the natural environment and play a vital role in the local ecology.
They provide essential services such as pollination and pest control, and they play an important role in the local economy by providing resources for food, tourism, and recreation.
The local communities need to continue to conserve and protect the birds in Kilifi to ensure their future health and success.